‘Invest in domestic tourism’

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to assist President Muhammadu Buhari to promote tourism as part of his economy diversification agenda.

She spoke in Vienna during a promotion on tourism organised by the Austria chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE).

According to her, the sector offers Nigerians abroad an opportunity for investment and job creation.

NIDOE Austria Chapter Chairman, Oluyemi Ogundele said the objective of the event was to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential, scout for investors and to recommend Nigeria as a tourism destination.

He said Nigerians in the Diaspora are the main target group for investment and tourism in Nigeria.

D’Affaire of Nigerian Embassy in Vienna, Austria, Mr Gazing Dangtim, said that the country is naturally blessed with locations that could attract tourists from all over the globe.

He said there are large beaches in all over the country with waterfall, games reserves, rock formations and rain forest, among others, noting that Nigeria with the largest economy in Africa could accommodate many investors and guarantee high returns.

He called on investors to invest in tourism, adding that the country is blessed with hug mineral resources that could attract foreign investors. He said President Buhari’s administration is ready to accommodate foreign investors and tourists and that he has put adequate security in place to guaranty tourists’ safety. He noted that the president has zero tolerant for corruption to make the investors get maximum returns on their investment.

A tourism expert based in Canada, Mr Kayode Ayenimelo, described the sector as a goldmine. He said Nigeria could generate enough funds from the sector to sustain her economy.

He appealed to Nigerians not to give up on the country, assuring that the economy would bounce back and that country would be great.

A knowledge management expert, Dr Andreas Brandner stressed the need to apply the right knowledge to maximise the gains expected from the huge investment. He reiterated that no matter how much potential Nigeria may possess in tourism, it would amount to nothing if it is not well managed. He urged Nigeria to develop her tourism sector for maximum returns.

A real estate and property businessman, Mr Kayode Obembe, urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to go back home, invest in properties and have their own houses, saying it would encourage them to visit home constantly with their friends and families.